Oregon’s governor orders agencies to conserve water amid drought

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SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon Gov. Kate Brown is ordering state agencies to cut back on their water use.

Brown issued an executive order Tuesday setting a goal of reducing water consumption by 15 percent on average for state-owned property.

The order suggests that agencies evaluate their landscaping, fountains and window-washing. It says agencies should consider a moratorium on new landscaping that uses water and suggests placing signs that remind employees to reduce non-essential water use.

Brown’s executive order also directs agencies to update plans for managing water shortages.

The governor has declared drought emergencies in 23 of Oregon’s 36 counties in response to severely diminished rain and snowfall this year.